The 25 Greatest Serie A Players of the 21st Century – Ranked
Serie A has long been a home to football’s finest, blending defensive brilliance with attacking artistry. This countdown from 25 to 1 highlights the most impactful and talented players to grace Italy’s top flight since the year 2000, based on talent, trophies, longevity, and influence on the league.
25. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva made a huge impact in a short time at AC Milan. He helped the club win the league in his second season and was praised as one of the best defenders in the world.
24. Paulo Dybala
Dybala shined brightest during his Juventus years, where his dribbling and creativity earned him multiple Team of the Year nods. Injuries affected his later seasons, but his talent has remained clear at Roma.
23. Antonio Di Natale
Di Natale became one of Serie A’s all-time top scorers, netting 209 goals. Most impressively, he achieved this largely with Udinese, rejecting moves to bigger clubs.
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22. Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain was a dominant striker at his peak, breaking the single-season Serie A scoring record with 36 goals. Despite controversies, he won three league titles and earned respect for his goal-scoring consistency.
21. Ciro Immobile
Immobile struggled on the international stage but flourished in Serie A. With four Capocannoniere awards and over 200 league goals, his place among the greats is secure.
20. Clarence Seedorf
Seedorf was a complete midfielder who controlled games with intelligence and strength. His decade at Milan included two Serie A titles and a vital role in one of the best midfields in history.
19. Leonardo Bonucci
Bonucci won eight Scudetti with Juventus and anchored their defense with style and precision. He was recognized individually with multiple Team of the Year selections and a Footballer of the Year award.
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18. Pavel Nedved
Nedved combined work rate with attacking quality, leading to a Ballon d’Or win in 2003. He was crucial for both Lazio and Juventus during his career in Italy.
17. David Trezeguet
Trezeguet scored consistently for Juventus, finishing with 123 league goals. His loyalty during Juve’s relegation earned him lasting admiration from fans.
16. Nicolo Barella
Barella has established himself as a top-tier box-to-box midfielder at Inter. With two league titles and five Team of the Year appearances, his rise has been steady and deserved.
15. Alessandro Del Piero
Del Piero remained a central figure at Juventus post-2000, winning three Scudetti. His technique and leadership made him a beloved figure even in his later years.
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14. Fabio Cannavaro
Cannavaro made the most of his abilities to become one of the best defenders of his generation. His performances for Juventus and Italy earned him the 2006 Ballon d’Or.
13. Lilian Thuram
Thuram’s versatility allowed him to excel both centrally and out wide in defense. He was strong, composed, and a key figure in multiple Juventus title runs.
12. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo delivered instant impact in Serie A with 81 goals in 98 games for Juventus. He won two Scudetti and raised the league’s global profile.
11. Andrea Barzagli
Barzagli was a consistent performer at the heart of Juve’s defense, winning eight league titles. He was often underrated but vital to the team’s success.
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10. Alessandro Nesta
Nesta was a defender of elegance and timing who won three Serie A titles. His peak years at Milan showed he was among the best in the world.
9. Andriy Shevchenko
Shevchenko was one of Serie A’s most lethal forwards, twice finishing as top scorer. He helped Milan win major trophies and claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2004.
8. Kaká
Kaká brought flair and grace to Serie A, winning the league in his first season with Milan. He reached his peak with a Ballon d’Or win in 2007.
7. Giorgio Chiellini'
Chiellini was the face of Juventus' defense for over a decade, winning nine titles. His toughness and experience made him indispensable.
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6. Javier Zanetti
Zanetti was the model of consistency and professionalism at Inter. He played more Serie A matches than any other foreign player and won five league titles.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Ibrahimović scored 156 goals in Italy and won titles with three clubs. His technique and physicality made him a unique and dominant forward.
4. Paolo Maldini
Maldini remained world-class well into his late 30s, adapting from left-back to centre-back. His elegance and leadership extended Milan’s defensive excellence into a new era.
3. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo controlled the tempo of matches with vision and calmness. His switch from Milan to Juventus revitalized both his career and the club’s dominance.
2. Francesco Totti
Totti led Roma with 250 goals and countless assists over two decades. He chose loyalty over silverware, becoming a symbol of Roman pride.
1. Gigi Buffon
Buffon tops the list as Serie A’s most enduring and decorated player. With 10 titles and unmatched consistency, he redefined the goalkeeper role in Italy.
